Foundation for Ecological Research Advocacy and Learning, Morrattandi, Auroville, Tamil Nadu, 605 101, India.
InSeason Fish, Chetpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600031, India.
Ambio. 2020 Feb;49(2):616-627. doi: 10.1007/s13280-019-01203-z. Epub 2019 Jun 3.
This study evaluates local-scale drivers of shark harvests in India, one of the world's largest shark fishing nations. Focusing on key harbours in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, which together contribute 54% of India's shark harvest, this study uses a semi-structured survey to examine the practices of shark fishers and traders, their knowledge of shark trade and policy, and perceptions of shark declines. Findings indicate that a domestic market for shark meat is presently the main local driver for harvests rather than the global trade in shark fins. Sharks are mostly non-target catch, landed whole, contributing to the protein needs of coastal communities. Consumer demand is the greatest for small-bodied and juvenile sharks. Perceived steep declines in shark numbers and sizes have had economic impacts on fishers and traders. The unregulated domestic market for shark meat is a key challenge requiring nuanced local approaches that diverge from global shark conservation priorities.
本研究评估了印度的地方鲨鱼捕捞驱动因素，印度是世界上最大的鲨鱼捕捞国之一。本研究聚焦于古吉拉特邦和马哈拉施特拉邦的主要港口，这两个邦加起来贡献了印度 54%的鲨鱼捕捞量。研究采用半结构化调查，考察了渔民和商人的做法、他们对鲨鱼贸易和政策的了解，以及对鲨鱼数量减少的看法。研究结果表明，目前国内的鲨鱼肉市场是捕捞的主要地方驱动因素，而不是全球的鱼翅贸易。鲨鱼主要是兼捕渔获物，整体上岸，满足沿海社区的蛋白质需求。消费者对小体型和幼体鲨鱼的需求最大。鲨鱼数量和体型的大幅减少被认为对渔民和商人产生了经济影响。未受监管的国内鲨鱼肉市场是一个关键挑战，需要采取细致入微的地方方法，与全球鲨鱼保护重点不同。
